Williams Wins Crucial Match To Help USA Take Palmer Cup
June 11, 2011
• Results
GREENWICH, Conn. - Sophomore golfer Chris Williams won his crucial final round singles match on Saturday to help the United States defeat Europe 13-11 and win the 2011 Palmer Cup.
Williams took down Swede Henrik Norlander 3&2 in match seven at the Stanwich Club to seal the USA's eighth Palmer Cup Championship. Europe has won six.
The UW sophomore from Moscow, Idaho took the lead over Norlander, a sophomore from Augusta State, on the second hole and never relinquished the advantage. Williams birdied No. 2 and 4 to go 2 up before Norlander birdied No. 6 to cut into the lead. Williams extended his advantage to 3 up by scoring birdie on No. 8 and No. 9.
Norlander was able to whittle Williams' advantage to just one by the 14th hole. The Huskies' first team All-Pac-10 selection closed out his opponent by winning No. 15 and 16.
Williams finished the tournament with two wins, no losses and halved two matches.
The United States entered the final day of action trailing 8.5-7.5. The U.S. won five matches on Saturday, lost two and tied one to retain the Palmer Cup.
Williams will continue an eventful two weeks of golf by playing in the U.S. Open, which starts Thursday, June 16 at Congressional Country Club. He qualified for the Major championship by winning a sectional at Gold Mountain Golf Course last Monday.
